Community Corner

McHenry County Boys Need More Big Brothers

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks male mentors.

It doesn’t take a huge time commitment to make a difference in the life of a child as a mentor in the Big Brother Big Sisters program. Mentors in the program get together with their “littles” two to four times a month.

“It is not the great demand in time some people might think; it’s a fairly reasonable amount of time. The reward of participating in a young person’s life, far exceeds the demand on time,” said Bob Evans, a Cary resident who has served for 11 years as big brother to Cole, who will graduate from Wauconda High School this spring.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County is in dire need of mentors, especially male mentors. Dana Briscoe, director of programs for BBBS, said there are currently about 20 boys on a waiting list for big brothers.

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Big brothers must be at least 18 years old and make a one-year commitment to mentoring, which involves getting together with the little brother every week , or at least two times per month

“It’s not so much what they do together; it’s the time they are spending together. Whether they are sitting around watching a football game, taking a hike, fishing, bowling, or shooting hoops at the park, they are building a friendship and building that trust,” Briscoe said.

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Cole recalls being very excited when he first met his big brother.

“I didn’t have a male role model and I was excited to do things that might not be my mom’s forte, guyish stuff,” he said.

“One of the first times we hung out, we went on this really, really long bike ride. It was so long, but so fun. It was fun right away, because as a little kid I had a lot of energy and it was nice to do something active,” Cole said.

Evans recalled that the relationship with Cole was enjoyable from the start.

“He was only 6, going on 7, and he was very gregarious and outgoing,” Evans said.
Over the years, they went to ball games, museums and lots of movies. As Cole got older, they would often just get together to talk.

Cole said Evans, the father of three grown children, has been helpful with college advice.

Cole will be attending Illinois State University in the fall.

“Despite being dealt a tough hand in life, he’s always had a terrific attitude. He’s going to be an accomplished person. There’s a satisfaction that I’ve played some part in that as he got older,” Evans said.

“The relationship has definitely helped me grow to be more mature and a humble person. Bob is someone who is very successful, but very humble. He taught me to help others, not just yourself,” Cole said. He said he would like to someday be a mentor in the BBBS program.

 

Economic circumstances have created a bigger need for mentoring support, according to a Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County press release. Single-family homes, poverty and a lack of good role models can lead to poor choices. In McHenry County, there is an increase in children being raised by grandparents and other family caregivers, according to BBBS.

Research has shown that big brothers can make a big difference in the life of boys. Little brothers experience improved academic performance and improved behavior, according to the release.

For more information see the Big Brothers Big Sisters website or call 815-385-3855.


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